Carlisle Man Fined After Taking Car Without Owner’s Permission

A Carlisle man has been fined after admitting taking and driving a car without the owner’s permission.

Justice Ewusie, 20, appeared before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court following an incident on January 14 near London Road in Carlisle.

Police officers on patrol noticed a man acting suspiciously around a vehicle. The officers turned their patrol car around to observe and saw the vehicle being driven off towards the junction of Garden Street.

Officers instructed the vehicle to stop. Ewusie provided his correct personal details and claimed the car belonged to a friend who was insured to drive it. However, he was unable to provide any basic information about the friend, such as a surname or address.

When police spoke with the registered keeper of the car, they confirmed they had not given permission for anyone else to use the vehicle and were unaware it was missing.

Ewusie admitted charges of taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance. His defence solicitor described him as inexperienced and suggested the incident could be a “wake-up call.”

Magistrates fined Ewusie £400, ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £160 surcharge. He lives on Watermans Walk in Carlisle.

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